U.S. patent application number 14/861170 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-24 for system line.
The applicant listed for this patent is AVANCON SA. Invention is credited to Dieter SPECHT.
Application Number | 20160083194 14/861170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51951966 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160083194 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SPECHT; Dieter |
March 24, 2016 |
SYSTEM LINE
Abstract
System line includes at least: one supporting frame extending
substantially parallel with a feeding direction of the system line;
one plurality of driving elements supported by the supporting
frames; one motor for driving at least one portion of the plurality
of driving elements; one drive assembly to transfer the motion from
the motor to the at least one portion of the plurality of driving
elements one control and power ASi system; one main ASi-controller;
one secondary ASi-controller; the main ASi-controller communicating
with the secondary or with other ASi-main controllers through one
ASi-interface cable; the main Asi-controller including a main
Asi-box; and the secondary Asi-controller including a secondary
Asi-box; the main and secondary ASi-boxes having at least one first
corresponding transversal coupling dimension; the supporting frame
including a housing compartment, adapted to house the main and
secondary ASi-boxes.
Inventors: |
SPECHT; Dieter; (Arcegno,
CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AVANCON SA |
Riazzino |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
51951966 |
Appl. No.: |
14/861170 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
198/575 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 13/11 20130101;
B65G 43/10 20130101; B65G 2203/0266 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65G 43/10 20060101
B65G043/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 22, 2014 |
IT |
RM2014A000537 |
Claims
1. Conveying system (100) comprising: at least one supporting frame
(2, 3) extending substantially in parallel with the feeding
direction (F) of the system; at least one plurality of driving
means supported by said supporting frames (2, 3); at least one
motor (9) or at least a pneumatic device for driving at least one
portion of said plurality of driving elements; at least one drive
assembly to transfer the motion from said motor to said at least
one portion of the plurality of driving elements; at least one
control and power ASi system; at least one main ASi-controller
(12); at least one secondary ASi-controller (11); said main
ASi-controller (12) communicating with said at least one secondary
ASi-controller (11) or with other ASi-main controllers through at
least one ASi-interface cable (35); said main Asi-controller (12)
comprising a main Asi-box (13); and said secondary Asi-controller
(11) comprising a secondary Asi-box (14); said main (13) and
secondary (14) ASi-boxes having at least one first corresponding
transversal coupling dimension (M); said supporting frame (2,3)
comprising a housing compartment (17) extending in the feeding
direction of the system line, adapted to house said main (13) and
secondary (14) ASi-boxes; said supporting frame (2, 3) comprising
fastening means to removably block said at least one main box (13)
and said at least one secondary box (14) inside the housing
compartment (17); said housing compartment (17) comprising at least
one housing seat (34) for said at least one ASi-interface cable
(35); said housing seat (34) is shaped so as to arrange the
ASi-interface cable (35) in such a position, with respect to said
main (13) and secondary (14) boxes, that it is penetrated by
piercing needles or knifes (7) protruding from said main (13) and
secondary (14) ASi-boxes in order to implement the electrical
connection among said main (12) and secondary (11) ASi-controllers
and said at least one ASi-interface cable (35); said fastening
means comprising: at least one contrast element positioned at least
partially at a distance with respect to said main Asi-box (13)
and/or the secondary Asi-box (14) greater than or equal to that of
the perforating needles (7) projecting from said main box (13) and
secondary (14); at least one pressure element (30) adapted to be
removably positioned between said main Asi-box (13) and/or the
secondary ASi-box (14) and said contrast element pressure element
so that said main (13) ASi box and/or secondary (14) ASi boxe are
kept in position against said at least one AS-interface cable
(35).
2. System line (100) according to claim 1, wherein said contrast
element comprises at least one first rib (18) transversally
extending towards the inside of the supporting frame (2; 3) and
said pressure element (30) comprises at least one spacer shaped to
be removably positioned between said first rib (18) and said main
(13) and/or secondary (14) ASi-boxes so that said main (13) and/or
secondary (14) ASi-boxes are kept in position with respect to said
at least one AS-interface cable (35).
3. System line (100) according to claim 2, wherein said fastening
means comprise at least one second rib (19) transversally extending
towards the inside of the supporting frame (2, 3), on a wall
opposed to that of said first rib (18).
4. System line (100) according to claim 3, wherein said second rib
(19) is shaped and dimensioned to couple with an inclined surface
(33) provided next to at least one transversal end of at least one
main (13) and/or secondary (14) boxes.
5. System line (100) according to claim 3, wherein said second rib
(19) is shaped and dimensioned to abut, at least partially, against
a second inclined surface (32) provided next to at least one
transversal end of said at least one pressure element (30).
6. System line (100) according to claim 3, wherein said second rib
(19) is elastically flexible.
7. System line (100) according to claim 4, wherein said seat (17)
has a second transversal dimension (N) greater than or equal to the
first transversal dimension (M); and said pressure element (30) has
such a transversal dimension, greater that N/2, to abut at least
partially against said second rib (19).
8. System line (100) according to claim 1, wherein said fastening
means comprise an upper lid of said housing compartment (17).
9. System line (100) according to claim 8, wherein said upper lid
comprises said at least one pressure element (30) extending from
said upper lid to said main (13) and/or secondary (14) ASi-boxes to
abut against said main (13) and/or secondary (14) ASi-boxes when
the upper lid is closed.
10. System line (100) according to claim 1, wherein said housing
compartment (17) comprises at least two vertical ribs (23) which
are transversely spaced in order to house said at least one
ASi-interface cable (35) as interposed there between.
11. System line (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that
at least one of said vertical ribs (23) has a curved portion to
vertically block at least one portion of said ASi-interface cable
(35).
12. System line (100) according to claim 1, wherein said at least
one housing seat (34) for said at least one ASi-interface cable
(35) is made, at least partially, in said main (13) and secondary
(14) boxes.
13. System line (100) according to claim 1, wherein said housing
seat (17) comprises at least two side supporting ribs (24), each
protruding from an inner wall of the supporting frame (2, 3) to
laterally support said main (13) and secondary (14) ASi-boxes.
14. System line (100) according to claim 1, wherein said housing
seat (17) comprises at least one vertical supporting element (21)
extending from a stiffening element (22) transversal to the inner
walls of the supporting frame (2, 3); said vertical supporting
element (21) being shaped to engage into a coupling seat (27)
provided on a lower surface of said main (13) and secondary (14)
Asi-boxes.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns the field of system line such
as assembly lines, production lines and conveying lines, and in
particular a system line comprising an ASi-BUS system (=Actuator,
Sensor interface bus system) and elements as activators, sensors
and masters that are used for the control, on the lower level
installation, and for the communications and the interface between
the different elements that manage the system line.
[0002] The system line have a wide area of applicability such as
post offices, airports and different kind of manufacturing or
logistic industries involving the product handling among several
operative stations in the production process or in the handling
system thereof.
KNOWN ART
[0003] The Applicant has observed that the implementation of
systems intended for controlling and electrically powering the
driving means of system line each time requires a lot of wasted
time in terms of working hours per person and costs because the
cables and the control boxes, composing the devices to control and
electrically powering the actuators or diving means and the
sensors, must be fixed and screwed to the frames of the systems
line and/or must be fixed in separated channels below and then had
to be fixed onto the cables with separate screws.
[0004] The Applicant has further observed that realizing such a
controlling and powering system every time dedicated to a specific
system line, such as an assembly line or a conveyor system, could
require a much bigger store, in terms of particular control unit,
fastening member types and different wirings, for the company
manufacturing the system line.
[0005] In order to solve the above mentioned problems has been
proposed to use the Asi Bus system.
[0006] As is well known, these ASi-Bus systems are used for
controlling apparatuses, assembly lines, production lines and
conveying lines for transportation of boxes and supports and
cartons or machine-elements or solar panels or furniture plates,
which have to be directed and steered throw-out the production,
assembly and logistic centers.
[0007] Although the ASi-Bus system is already very easy to put in
place, the special cables and the fixing element of the typical
ASi-Bus System i.e connector knifes or pins or needles need to be
coupled in an exact position with the Asi Cables and according a
predetermined orientation.
[0008] The Applicant has observed that, for example in case of a
machine line, (for example solar panels production line and
concatenation) apparatus, assembly line or conveying system in
which the system controlling and powering the drive means and the
sensor means is composed of several units which are electrically
connected one to another through ASi-cables, the controlling
elements connected to the ASi-cables must contact such cables with
extreme precision so that the piercing needles or knifes of these
elements, realizing the electrical connection, penetrate the cable
in a determined precise position and with the proper
inclination.
[0009] The patent application WO2013/182888 partially solves the
problems described above, however, the positioning of the control
elements, master and slave boxes, are not positioned in contact
with the cables ASi-cables vertically so that the piercing needles
o knifes are not met in a precise way and above all with the
correct inclination. In this case in fact the control elements are
positioned into the frame along a first edge thereof and a
subsequent angular movement brings these elements parallel to the
ASi-cables.
[0010] The Applicant has observed that such kind of coupling can
lead to damage of the piercing needles or knives, and then an
electrical connection failure.
[0011] The Applicant has also observed that in order to place the
ASi Bus System onto the system line frames, whose parts must be
connected and/or electrically powered, is necessary a separate
base, that includes the As-interface cables and the knifes or pins
connectors, and a cover where each part (base and cover) has to be
fixed with separate screws on the frame of the system line us.
[0012] The base and the cover are generally made of thermoplastic
materials.
[0013] Then the Applicant noticed the need to provide a new, easy
to build, ASi-bus system wherein the control-elements for the drive
and the sensors and the master means are standard, in the meanwhile
an ASi-bus system easy and simple to be installed and not needing a
number of different parts and wirings to be kept in the store and
to be handled and assembled.
[0014] The Applicant then found the need of providing a new
fixation system for an ASi system that is simply to be assembled,
wherein the needles or knifes of the ASi-bus control elements
pierce the Asi cables , which realize the electrical connection, in
a precise and predetermined position and with the proper
inclination and without screws to be fixed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Therefore, in its first aspect the invention concerns a
system line of the type: assembly line, production line, machine
centers, concatenation or conveying system comprising: [0016] at
least one supporting frame extending substantially in parallel with
the feeding direction (F) of the system; [0017] at least one
plurality of driving means supported by said supporting frames;
[0018] at least one motor or at least a pneumatic device for
driving at least one portion of said plurality of driving elements;
[0019] at least one drive assembly to transfer the motion from said
motor to said at least one portion of the plurality of driving
elements; [0020] at least one control and power ASi system;
[0021] characterized by comprising: [0022] at least one main
ASi-controller; [0023] at least one secondary ASi-controller; said
main ASi-controller communicating with said at least one secondary
ASi-controller or with other ASi-main controllers through at least
one ASi-interface cable; [0024] said main Asi-controller comprising
a main Asi-box; and [0025] said secondary Asi-controller comprising
a secondary Asi-box; [0026] said main and secondary ASi-boxes
having at least one first corresponding transversal coupling
dimension (M); [0027] said supporting frame comprising a housing
compartment extending in the feeding direction of the system line,
adapted to house said main and secondary ASi-boxes; [0028] said
supporting frame comprising fastening means to removably block said
at least one main box and said at least one secondary box (14)
inside the housing compartment; [0029] said housing compartment
comprising at least one housing seat for said at least one
ASi-interface cable; [0030] said housing seat is shaped so as to
arrange the ASi-interface cable in such a position, with respect to
said main and secondary boxes, that it is penetrated by piercing
needles or knifes protruding from said main and secondary ASi-boxes
in order to implement the electrical connection among said main and
secondary ASi-controllers and said at least one ASi-interface
cable; [0031] said fastening means comprising: [0032] at least one
contrast element positioned at least partially at a distance with
respect to said main Asi-box and/or the secondary Asi-box greater
than or equal to that of the perforating needles projecting from
said main box and secondary; [0033] at least one pressure element
adapted to be removably positioned between said main Asi-box and/or
the secondary ASi-box and said contrast element.
[0034] Furthermore, in the present invention scope the terms
"transversal", "transversally", denote a direction substantially
perpendicular to the feeding direction (F) of goods in the system
line.
[0035] On the contrary, the term "longitudinal" denotes a direction
substantially parallel or coincident with the feeding direction (F)
of goods in the system line.
[0036] The present invention, in the aforesaid aspect, may present
at least one of the preferred characteristics hereinafter
described.
[0037] Advantageously, said contrast element comprises at least one
first rib transversally extending towards the inside of the
supporting frame and the pressure element comprises at least one
spacer shaped to be removably positioned among the first rib and
the main and/or secondary ASi-boxes so that the main and/or
secondary ASi-boxes are kept in position with respect to at least
one AS-interface cable.
[0038] Conveniently, the fastening means comprise at least one
second rib transversally extending towards the inside of the
supporting frame, on a wall opposed to that of the first rib.
[0039] Preferably, the second rib is shaped and dimensioned to
couple with an inclined surface provided next to at least one
transversal end of at least one main and/or secondary
ASi-boxes.
[0040] Advantageously, the second rib is shaped and dimensioned to
abut, at least partially, against a second inclined surface
provided next to at least one transversal end of at least one
pressure element.
[0041] Conveniently, the second rib is elastically flexible.
[0042] Preferably, the housing compartment has a second transversal
coupling dimension (N) greater than, or equal to, the first
transversal coupling dimension (M) said main and secondary boxes
have in common, and the pressure element has such a transversal
dimension, greater that N/2, to abut at least partially against
said second rib.
[0043] Preferably, the fastening means comprise an upper lid of the
housing compartment.
[0044] Advantageously, the upper lid comprises at least one
pressure element extending from the upper lid to the main and/or
secondary boxes to abut against the main and/or secondary boxes
when the upper lid is closed.
[0045] Conveniently, the housing compartment comprises at least two
vertical ribs which are transversely spaced in order to house said
at least one AS-interface cable as interposed there between.
[0046] Preferably, at least one of the vertical ribs has a curved
portion to vertically block at least one portion of said
AS-interface cable.
[0047] Conveniently, at least one housing seat for the at least one
AS-interface cable is made, at least partially, in the main and
secondary boxes.
[0048] Advantageously, the housing seat comprises at least two side
supporting ribs, each protruding from an inner wall of the
supporting frame to laterally support the main and secondary
boxes.
[0049] Preferably, the housing seat comprises at least one vertical
supporting element extending from a stiffening element transversal
to the inner walls of the support frame; the vertical supporting
element being shaped to engage into a coupling seat provided on a
lower surface of the main and secondary boxes.
[0050] Advantageously, the system line comprises a plurality of
working zones, each working zones being defined by at least one
motor and/or at least one presence sensor, each motor being
combined with a secondary ASi-controller, each presence sensor
being combined with a secondary ASi-controller. These secondary
ASi-controllers can being installed in the above-described manner
easily under each motor or sensor, regardless in which position or
distance these elements are. This allows to use always the same
cable length of the secondary elements, as in this case the sensor
and the motor.
[0051] Preferably, the main controller is in communication with a
plurality of secondary ASi-controllers and other main ASi-master
controllers within the system.
[0052] Advantageously, the drive members comprise driving rollers
and/or wheels and/or portions of dragging belts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will
be more evident from the detailed description of some preferred
embodiments, but not exclusive, of a new system line according to
the present invention.
[0054] Such a description will be hereinafter explained referring
to the attached drawings, provided for purposes of illustrations
only, and thereby not limitative, wherein:
[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective front view of a first
embodiment of a system line according to the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 2 is a schematic and enlarged perspective front view of
a portion of the system line of FIG. 1;
[0057] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective partially exploded view of
the system line shown in FIG. 1 with the pressure elements coupled
with the main and secondary Asi-boxes;
[0058] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective partially exploded view of
the system line shown in FIG. 1 with part of the pressure elements
pulled out from the coupling with the main and secondary
Asi-boxes.
[0059] FIG. 5A is a schematic front view of an alternative
implementation of supporting frame for the system line according to
the present invention
[0060] FIG. 5B is a schematic sectional view of an alternative
implementation of supporting frame for the conveying system shown
in FIG. 5A;
[0061] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of another alternative
implementation of supporting frame for the conveying system
according to the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of another alternative
implementation of supporting frame for the conveying system
according to the present invention; and
[0063] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of an alternative
implementation of housing compartment for the conveying system
according to the present invention. *****
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a system line such as assembly line
or production line or conveying system, according to the present
invention, is identified with the reference numeral 100.
[0065] In the following description, we will refer to a conveying
system 100, but it is to be understood that what is said can be
extended to other system line without exit from the scope of the
present invention.
[0066] The conveying system 100 has at least two supporting frames
2, 3 on the outside in the axial direction which extend
substantially parallel in the feeding direction of the conveyor
100. The feeding direction indicated by the arrow F in figures,
indicates the extent direction of the conveyor 100.
[0067] Preferably, the supporting frames 2, 3 have a tubular shape,
as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4.
[0068] Alternatively, the supporting frames might have a "C" or "L"
section or again another section shape without departing from the
protection scope of the present invention.
[0069] Advantageously, the supporting frames 2, 3 are made of
extruded materials.
[0070] Preferably, the supporting frames 2, 3 are made of extruded
aluminium.
[0071] Alternatively, the supporting frames 2, 3 are made of
extruded reinforced plastic materials.
[0072] A plurality of driving wheels 5 or rollers 4 is located
between the two supporting frames 2, 3.
[0073] The driving wheels 5 or the driving rollers are rotatably
mounted each on a supporting shaft and they are operated by the
driving assembly and a plurality of motors 9 described in more
detail afterwards.
[0074] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the conveying system
or conveyor 100 comprises a plurality of driving wheels 5 for each
supporting frame 2 or 3.
[0075] In other words, for each supporting frame 2 or 3 there is a
plurality of driving wheels 5 placed side by side which extend
substantially along the whole length of the conveying system
100.
[0076] Each supporting shaft is adapted to be engaged in at least
one of said supporting frames 2 or 3 to support at least one roller
and/or at least one wheel 5.
[0077] In detail, each supporting shaft is rotatably constrained to
the supporting frame 2 or 3 by means of at least one bearing.
[0078] The bearing is not directly constrained to the supporting
tubular frame 2 or 3, but it is supported by the latter through a
suitable housing 8 in its turn constrained to the inner walls of
the tubular supporting frame. The conveyors system 100 according to
the present invention are divided in working zones, each working
zone comprising at least one wheel 5 and, in case, a positioning
sensor 10 that controls the presence of material to be conveyed on
the wheel 5.
[0079] A secondary Asi-controller 11 is provided in order to
control each motor 9 and each sensor 10.
[0080] Each secondary controller 11 comprises the electronic
circuits, enclosed in a secondary box 14, adapted to control the
motor 9 or the positioning sensor 10.
[0081] In other words, each sensor 10, as well as each motor 9, is
combined with a secondary controller 11.
[0082] The secondary ASi-controllers 11 are connected one to
another and they are, in their turn, each connected to a main
ASi-controller 12 allowing the information exchange and the
coordination of the secondary controllers 11.
[0083] Preferably, the secondary controllers 11 are connected one
to another and they are, in their turn, each connected to a main
ASi-controller 12 through at least one AS-interface cable.
[0084] A main ASi-controller 12 can control up to sixty/sixty two
secondary controllers 11, in the specific case the main
ASi-controller 12 can control up to sixty/sixty two secondary
ASi-controllers 11.
[0085] Therefore a conveying system 100 according to the present
invention comprises working macro-areas each defined by a main
ASi-controller 12 and several secondary ASi-controllers 11, each
one of the latter being combined with a motor 9 or a positioning
sensor 10.
[0086] Each main ASi-controller 12 comprises the electronic
circuits and the electronics necessary for controlling the
secondary ASi- controllers 11. Therefore, these electronic circuits
and electronics are contained in a main ASi-box 13.
[0087] Each macro-area can comprises several secondary ASi-boxes 14
and one main ASi-box 13.
[0088] The secondary ASi-boxes 14 are then electrically connected
one to another through at least one AS-interface cable and also the
secondary ASi-boxes 14 are electrically connected to the main
ASi-box 13 through the same AS-interface cable or another one.
[0089] Every macro-area comprises several zones or operations. (As
diverters, switches, pushers, transfers, crossings . . . )
[0090] For each macro-area there are several secondary boxes 14,
each controlling the position sensor 10 of every zone and several
secondary boxes 14, each one controlling the motor 9 of every zone
or a pneumatic valve or a pneumatic cylinder or similar.
[0091] All the secondary ASi-boxes 14 report to the main
ASi-controller 12.
[0092] This main ASi-controller 12 can report or can be controlled
by a computing system of higher level. The main ASi-controller 12,
enclosed in its main box 13, drives the motors 9--whether
interrupting or driving the motion--so that every zone or operation
is controlled individually; no carried goods or products will touch
another one and they will not be driven forward until the
subsequent zone is empty.
[0093] Zone after zone the goods are carried until the subsequent
zone is occupied. In this case, the motor 9 can not move until the
subsequent zone is occupied, then it will restart.
[0094] The main ASi-box 13 and the secondary ASi-boxes 14 have the
same cross section and, except the length along the feeding
direction, substantially the same shape.
[0095] In other words, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the main ASi-boxes
13 and the secondary ASi-boxes 14 substantially have the same
transversal shape, but the main boxes 13 are elongated along the
feeding direction, identified by the arrow F in FIG. 3.
[0096] Each main ASi-box 13 and each secondary ASi-box 14 have a
substantially parallelepiped shape.
[0097] For the standardization of element and easiness of coupling
parts, the ASi-main 13 and secondary ASi-boxes 14 have at least one
first corresponding transversal dimension of coupling M.
[0098] The main 13 and secondary 14 ASi-boxes are housed in an
apposite compartment 17 extending longitudinally along the feeding
direction of the conveying system.
[0099] The supporting frame 2, 3 comprise fastening means to
removably block the main ASi-box 13 and the secondary ASi-boxes 14
inside the housing compartment 17.
[0100] Therefore, the housing seat 17 extends in the feeding
direction F of the conveying system 100 and has a dimension, named
second coupling dimension N, greater or substantially corresponding
to the first transversal coupling dimension M of the main 13 and
secondary 14 ASi-boxes.
[0101] In the embodiment shown in figure, the coupling dimension N
is a dimension transversal to the feeding direction F.
[0102] In other words, the housing seat 17 has a transversal
dimension N substantially coincident to the transversal coupling
direction M of the main 13 and secondary 14 ASi-boxes.
[0103] Advantageously, the housing compartment 17 comprises at
least one housing seat 34 for at least one AS-interface cable
35.
[0104] In the embodiments shown in figures, the housing compartment
17 has two parallel housing seats 34 placed side by side for two
AS-interface cables which extend longitudinally for the whole
length of the supporting frame 2, 3 accommodating it.
[0105] Each housing seat 34 is shaped so as to arrange the
AS-interface cable 35 in such a position, with respect to the main
13 and secondary 14 ASi-boxes, that it is penetrated by piercing
needles 7 protruding from the main 13 and secondary 14 boxes in
order to implement the electrical connection among the main 13 and
secondary 14 ASi-boxes and the AS-interface cable.
[0106] In other terms the piercing needles 7, exiting from each
main 13 and secondary 14 ASi-boxes and allowing the electrical
connection, are in a predetermined position, both in the
longitudinal and transversal direction.
[0107] In such a position, they have to meet the AS-interface cable
35 so that they can penetrate it to allow the electrical
connection.
[0108] For this purpose, it is important that the housing seat 34
can allow the AS-interface cable to be correctly positioned with
respect to these needles 7.
[0109] Still for ensuring the electrical connection among the
AS-interface cable 35 and the piercing needles 7 exiting from each
main 13 and secondary 14 boxes, it is necessary that the same
needles are pressed against the AS-interface cable 35 firmly.
[0110] For this purpose, at least one contrast element and at least
one pressure element are provided.
[0111] The contrast element is positioned at least partially at a
distance with respect to said main Asi-box 13 and/or the secondary
Asi-box 14 greater than or equal to that of the piercing needles 7
projecting from the main ASi-box 13 and the secondary ASi-box
14.
[0112] The pressure element 30 is adapted to be removably
positioned between said main Asi-box 13 and/or the secondary
ASi-box 14 and the contrast element pressure element so as to keep
in position the main 13 and/or secondary ASi-boxes 14 against the
AS-interface cable 35.
[0113] In other words, the contrast element 30 is not directly
positioned in contact with the main Asi-box 13 and/or the secondary
ASi-box 14, but at a distance such as to allow the coupling between
the main ASi-box 13 and/or the secondary ASi-box 14 and the
AS-interface cable 35, substantially according to a vertical
direction.
[0114] In this way, it is possible firstly to couple the main
ASi-box 13 and/or the secondary ASi-box 14 with the AS-interface
cable 35, substantially according a vertical direction, thus
avoiding possible damage to the piercing needles 7 and then lock
them in position by means of the pressure element 30 which rest on
the upper surface of the main and secondary ASi-boxes.
[0115] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the supporting frame
2, 3 has a tubular shape and the housing compartment 17 is obtained
in the lower portion of the supporting frame 2, 3.
[0116] In detail, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-4, it can be
seen how each tubular supporting frame 2 or 3 is realized by two
substantially specular and symmetric half-shells 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b
joined together by locking means.
[0117] By way of example, screws and bolts can be provided as
locking means adapted to engage in corresponding slots, generally
positioned in the lower portion of the tubular frame itself, in
both the half-shells 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b.
[0118] To render the two half-shells 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b more stable,
once they are closed, the profile comprises a transversal
stiffening element 22 that is composed, in the embodiment shown in
figures, of a fork-shaped element 53 and a bracket-shaped element
54, adapted to be coupled with the prongs of the fork-shaped
element 53.
[0119] In detail, the fork-shaped element 53 extends horizontally
from an inner wall of a half-shell 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and it couples
with the bracket-shaped element 54 extending horizontally in a
position corresponding to the inner wall of the remaining
half-shell 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b.
[0120] The stiffening element 22 composed of the fork-shaped
element 53 and the bracket-shaped element 54 constitute the lower
portion of the housing compartment 17.
[0121] From the transversal stiffening element 22 a vertical
supporting element 21 extends substantially vertically.
[0122] The vertical supporting element 21 is shaped to engage into
a coupling seat 27 provided on a lower surface of the main 13 and
secondary 14 boxes.
[0123] Preferably, the vertical supporting element 21 has an
L-shaped upper end.
[0124] The vertical supporting element 21 allows, as the tubular
frame 2, 3 is opened, i.e. during the installation, to support the
main 13 and secondary 14 boxes.
[0125] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, there are two housing
seats 34 for two adjacent AS-interface cables 35.
[0126] Each housing seat 34 is partially composed of two vertical
ribs 23 which are transversely spaced in order to house the
AS-interface cable 35 as interposed there between.
[0127] The vertical ribs 23 extend along the feeding direction F
substantially for the whole extent of the conveying system
itself.
[0128] According to this embodiment there are three vertical ribs
23 which are transversely spaced and realize, together with the
bracket-shaped element 54, at least in part, two adjacent and
parallel housing seats 34 for two AS-interface cables 35.
[0129] Advantageously, two of the three vertical ribs 23 have a
curved portion on top to vertically block at least one portion of
the AS-interface cable 35.
[0130] Still according to this embodiment, one of the three
vertical ribs 23 is coincident with the vertical supporting element
21.
[0131] Still according to this embodiment, the housing compartment
17 has at least one first side rib 18, realizing the contrast
element for the pressure element 30 which keep in position the main
and the secondary ASi-boxes against the AS-interface cables 35.
[0132] The first side rib 18 extending transversely towards the
inside of the supporting frame 2, 3 and one pressure element 30 to
keep in position the main 13 and/or secondary 14 boxes against the
AS-interface cables 35.
[0133] In detail, the first rib 18 extends transversely towards the
inside of the supporting frame 2, 3.
[0134] The first side rib 18 has a transversal extent smaller than
the transversal coupling dimension M, preferably smaller than 15%
of the transversal coupling dimension M, and it extends in the
feeding direction F substantially for the whole extent of the
conveying system itself.
[0135] The pressure element 30 is composed, as better shown in FIG.
4, of a spacer shaped to be inserted in a removable manner between
the first side rib 18 and the main 13 and/or secondary 14 boxes so
that the main 13 and/or secondary 14 boxes are kept vertically in
position with respect to the AS-interface cables.
[0136] The pressure element 30 is like substantially a
parallelepiped body having a such a thickness to abut, on top,
against the first side rib 18 and, on the bottom, against an upper
surface of the main 13 and/or secondary 14 boxes so that the same
box is pressed firmly against the AS-interface cables 35.
[0137] The pressure element 30 has a thickness greater than or
equal to half of the height of the piercing needles 7, preferably
greater than or equal to the height of the piercing needles 7.
[0138] A groove 31 can be provided on the main 13 and secondary 14
boxes and have such a dimension to accommodate and block the
pressure element 30 in the feeding direction F.
[0139] To allow an easy insertion between the first rib 18 and the
main or secondary box, the pressure element 30 has a restricted
transversal extent, shorter than that of the coupling dimension M,
but preferably it is able to abut against a second side rib 19
arranged on the side wall of the tubular frame 2, 3 opposite to
that containing the first side rib 18.
[0140] For this purpose, the pressure element 30 has an inclined
wall 32 adapted to abut against the second side rib 19.
[0141] Always referring to this embodiment, it can be seen that the
second rib 19 is shaped to abut also against a smoothed part 33
having the shape of an arc of circle, provided on the main boxes 13
and the secondary boxes 14 and against the pressure element 30, in
particular against the inclined wall 32 of the pressure element
30.
[0142] The second rib 19, having the shape of an arc of circle too,
has its concavity facing upwards. The second rib 19 makes part of
the fastening means to latch the main 13 and secondary 14 boxes
inside the housing seat 17. For this purpose, the second rib 19 can
be elastically flexible.
[0143] The housing seat 17 further has side supporting ribs 24, at
least three, each protruding from an inner wall of the tubular
frame 2, 3 to laterally support the main 13 and secondary 14
ASi-boxes.
[0144] Each third side rib 24 has a limited transversal extent
smaller than the transversal coupling dimension M, preferably
smaller than 10% of the transversal coupling dimension M, and it
extends in the feeding direction F substantially for the whole
extension of the conveying system itself.
[0145] The third side ribs 24 are placed under the first 18 and
second 19 side ribs, but over the ribs 23, at such a height that
the main 13 and secondary 14 ASi-boxes, once they lean on the third
side ribs 24, form the upper portion of the housing seats 34.
[0146] In other terms, the third side grooves 24 are placed at such
a height that the main 13 and secondary 14 boxes, once leant on the
third side ribs 24, lean on the upper surface of the AS-interface
cables 35.
[0147] In FIGS. 5a, 5b an alternative embodiment of the supporting
frame 2, 3 is shown. According to this embodiment, the supporting
frame 2, 3 still has a tubular shape, but it is composed of a
half-shell 2b, 3b having a C-shape and removably closed by a side
lid 2a, 3a.
[0148] In FIG. 5a, 5b only one supporting frame 2, 3 is shown, in
particular the supporting frame 2, but it is understood that what
mentioned is also applied to the tubular frame 3.
[0149] The side lid 2a has convenient means for the blocking to the
C-shaped half-shell 2b, such as little flexible hooks 38.
[0150] The housing compartment 17, also in this embodiment, is
realized in the lower portion of the supporting frame 2.
[0151] The housing compartment 17 provides for two housing seats 34
for two AS-interface cables 35, which adjoin.
[0152] The two housing seats 34 for two AS-interface cables are
realized in part among three vertical ribs 23 which are
transversely spaced, two transversely-spaced vertical ribs 23 are
arranged at such a distance to house the AS-interface cable 35 as
interposed therebetween.
[0153] The vertical ribs 23 extend along the feeding direction F
substantially for the whole extent of the conveying system
itself.
[0154] According to this embodiment there are three vertical ribs
23 which are transversely spaced and realize, together with the
base length of the C-shaped half-shell 2b, at least in part, two
adjacent and parallel housing seats 34 for two AS-interface cables
35.
[0155] Also according to this embodiment a first 18 and a second 19
side ribs and a pressure element 30 are provided, which are
completely similar to those previously described referring to the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and, for this reason, they are not further
described.
[0156] According to this embodiment the main 13 and secondary 14
boxes can not have the housing groove 31 or the pressure element
30.
[0157] Still according to this embodiment, the housing compartment
17 has the vertical supporting elements 21, such as little vertical
ribs, abutting against the lower surface of the main 13 and
secondary 14 ASi-boxes.
[0158] In FIG. 6 an alternative embodiment completely similar to
that of FIGS. 5a, 5b is shown, with the exception of the vertical
ribs 23 not having an upper curved portion.
[0159] Therefore, what mentioned for the embodiment shown in FIGS.
5a, 5b still goes for this embodiment.
[0160] In FIG. 7 another embodiment completely similar to that of
FIG. 6 and FIGS. 5a, 5b is shown, with the exception of the housing
seats 34 for the AS-interface cables 35 being realized in profiled
seats provided in the lower surface of the main 13 and/or secondary
14 ASi-boxes and in the base of the C-shaped half-shell 2b.
[0161] Each profiled seat is shaped so that to negative reproduce
the outer profile of an AS-interface cable 35.
[0162] In FIG. 8 another embodiment of the housing compartment 17
is shown.
[0163] The housing compartment 17 looks like a lower U-section 42
closed on top by an upper lid 43.
[0164] The upper lid 43 has curved ending portions 44 adapted to
engage with hooked portions of the lower section 42 to allow the
upper lid 43 and the lower section 42 to be coupled and
decoupled.
[0165] The housing compartment 17 provides for two housing seats 34
for two AS-interface cables 35, which adjoin.
[0166] The two housing seats 34 for two AS-interface cables are
realized in part among three vertical ribs 23 which are
transversely spaced, two transversely-spaced vertical ribs 23 are
arranged at such a transversal distance to house the AS-interface
cable 35 as interposed therebetween.
[0167] The vertical ribs 23 extend along the feeding direction F
substantially for the whole extent of the conveying system
itself.
[0168] According to this embodiment there are three vertical ribs
23 that are transversely spaced and, along with the base of the
compartment 17, that realize at least in part two adjacent and
parallel housing seats 34 for two AS-interface cables 35. Still
according to this embodiment, the housing compartment 17 has
vertical supporting elements 21, such as little vertical ribs,
extending vertically from the base of the compartment 17 to abut
against the lower surface of the main 13 or secondary 14 boxes,
once the latter have been inserted into the housing compartment
17.
[0169] According to this embodiment, the pressure element 30 is
made integral with the upper lid 43, it extends vertically from the
latter inside the compartment 17 towards the main 13 and/or
secondary 14 ASi-boxes in order to abut, when the upper lid 43 is
closed, against such a main 13 and/or secondary 14 boxes so that to
push it against the AS-interface cables 35 below.
[0170] The pressure element 30, according to this embodiment shown
in FIG. 8, is composed of two vertical ribs 36 extending vertically
from the upper lid 43. The top cover 43 instead realizes the
contrast element for the pressure element 30.
[0171] The extent of the vertical ribs 36 is such that the ribs,
when the lid 43 is closed, abut against the main 13 and/or
secondary 14 ASi-boxes in order to push the latter against the
AS-interface cables 35 below.
[0172] The present invention has been described referring to some
embodiments. To the embodiments herein represented in detail
various modifications can be made, anyway remaining in the
protection scope of the invention, defined by the following
claims.
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